Pre-arrival:

(For members of the group arriving by plane, or bus)
Group members arriving by plane, bus or those who are already in Edmonton will be shuttled to Hotel/Hostel the evening prior to commencing the trip.

Day 1

After all members of the group have been picked up, we have a group meeting and introduction to the guide(s) and other members of the group. The guides check over all equipment and make sure all necessary preparations have been made to start out trip for the next couple of weeks. From Edmonton we van shuttle to Jasper and Jasper National Park. We camp close to Jasper, and enjoy the atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding Rockies. With your guide you discuss, pack, and prepare for the beginning of the hike for the following day.

Day 2

After an early breakfast and a quick van shuttle to the access gate on Celestine Lake Road, we commence our trek. As we cross the bridge across the Snake Indian River we follow a well developed fire road for the next 27 km to ease us into the trek. Approximately 17 km in brings us to our first camp, Shalebanks Campground were we pitch out tents for our first night under the stars of the North Boundary Trail.

Day 3

After we break camp we hike approximately 9 km to one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, the Snake Indian Falls. As we continue on from the falls another 8 km brings us into the Snake Indian Valley as we hike through subalpine meadows we are treated with expansive panoramic views of the open valley and the surrounding mountain peaks. Our “etape” today of approximately 17 km brings us to so called Horseshoe Campground.

Day 4

Our stretch today is approximately 15 km. The country remains open and pleasant with panoramic views. The trail winds through stands of Lodge-pole Pine and tinny aspens. Our goal today is Welbourne campground and wardens cabin.

Day 5

As we slowly approach the rugged peaks forming the gateway to the Upper Snake Indian valley and Blue Creek, the valley begins to narrow noticeably. Our stretch today is slightly shorter as the first aches and pains of the last couple of days start to show. Today we cover a shorter distance of approximately 12.5 km to Blue Creek Campground. From here there is a true sense that we are entering the mountains, along the way we pass the picturesque Nellie Lake with the reflection of Mount Simla in the background. Blue Creek is the northern gateway to some of the most remote and scenic sections of Jasper National Park.

Day 6

We continue west across the Blue Creek suspension bridge. We are rewarded with beautiful views of the Snake Indian River and its lake dotted flood plains. At “Three Slides”, the first major glacier of the trip can be seen on the slopes of the surrounding mountains to the South. We cover a stretch today of about 15 km, and our goal for the evening is the Three Slides campground.

Day 7

Today we begin our climb of the Snake Indian Pass. We climb moderately but steadily, passing the Hoodoo warden cabin. Our goal is to camp at Oatmeal Campground or either (depending on weather) on Snake Indian Pass itself, the highest point on the trek at 2020 m. Above the tree line, the Snake Indian Pass is set in beautiful alpine meadows and surrounded by gentle ridges and the limestone mountains of the prominent peaks of the Snake Indian and Monte Cristo Mountains to the north. The Snake Indian Pass is one the scenic highlights of the North Boundary Trail and is worth taking the time to fully appreciate its surrounding beauty. Today’s stretch approx. 14 km

Day 8

We continue our journey today to either Twintree Campground or Donaldson Creek Campground. The descent from Snake Indian Pass lasts a good 6 km. We continue on to the Shores of Lake Twintree, the largest lake on the North Boundary Trail. Glacier waters from Mount Swoda and Mount Calumet paint the lake a beautiful turquoise color. Today’s stretch approx. 14 km.

Day 9

Today we encounter one of the hardest sections of the Trail. As we continue down Twintree Creek and climb the north end of Twintree Mountain, we start a steep descent into the Smoky River valley. This stretch is often wet, boggy, and relatively rocky. Our goal today is the scenic Chown Creek Campground or the Wolverine Wardens Cabin. Having descended into the Smoky River valley, the atmosphere changes completely, we are now surrounded by rocky rivers, massive ramparts, and glacier tipped mountains. Today’s stretch approx. 17 km.

Day 10

As we steadily make our climb towards Robson Pass we are rewarded by the increasing scenic beauty of the Robson area. The scenery continues to improve as we pass beneath the Mural Glacier and as the climb towards the pass becomes more steep. Weather permitting we finally view the long awaited Mount Robson from the meadows of Adolphus Lake. The lake opens out onto the flats of Robson Pass where the massive pillars of the Rockies tower in all their majesty. Today’s stretch approx. 18- 20 km.

Day 11

Today is our last stretch of hiking as we leave the Berg Lake and Robson area. Be it our last day it is one of the longest stretches as well as one of the the most visually stunning. From Robson Pass and Berg Lake we have returned to a more “civilized” hiking route. This part of the trail being one of the most popular hikes in the rockies will no doubt feel like it is full of people after the isolation of the past days. Yet this stretch is also one of the most beautiful stretches as we hike through the valley of a thousand waterfalls, past Emperor Falls, and majestic Kinney Lake. By evening we arrive at the Berg Lake trail head. Hot showers and a good meal awaits us as we meet up with our van again and celebrate the adventure of the past 10 days. Today’s stretch approx. 20 km.

Day 12

After a relaxing breakfast and repacking all our gear, we slowly make our return journey back to Edmonton. We take our time making plenty of stops and taking in the sights and view points along the trip. Optional stops include the Overlander Falls. Our 80 km return trip to Jasper takes only approximately an hour. We arrive in jasper by early afternoon. This allows the optional free afternoon in the town of Jasper to relax. In the evening enjoy the possibility of dinning out at one of the local restaurants or have a drink at one of the cosy pubs.

Day 13

Today we spend a full day in Jasper. Options include, Maligne Canyon, Maligne lake and a short hike up the Opal hills. Other options include a gondola or hike up Whistler Mountain, Bike one of the local trail, or enjoy a scenic afternoon at lake Annette or Lake Edith. In the evening there is the possibility to enjoy a relaxing soak in the therapeutic pools of Miette Hot Springs.

Day 14

Today we return to Edmonton. We enjoy our last breakfast as a group, and after packing up and breaking camp we slowly take our time for the 380 km return trip to Edmonton. We aim to be back in Edmonton by late afternoon or early evening.